A Prayer for Light

Deborah Beach Giordano
© August 8, 2012

Let my prayer come to You as fragrant incense;
the lifting up of my hands like the glow of the candle’s flame.
~ Psalm 141:2

Bring light, more light
into our world, o Lord,
for so many live
in darkness;

inhabiting
a shadowland
of hateful plots
and evil deeds

hatched in the depths
of mindless terror,
a viper’s nest
of hidden fears.

Bring light, more light
into our eyes, o Lord,
for we see only
as through a glass, darkly,

our vision clouded
by flickering images
of murders, mayhem
and mob scenes;

familiar events
become expected;
a world gone mad,
all hope extinguished

immersed
in such evidence,
we find proof
of what we seek.

Bring light, more light
to our minds, o Lord,
for we are entranced
by the darkness

deceived
by its multiplicity,
we believe its many legions
cannot be overcome,

their sooty footprints
create destruction
leaving a wasteland
where they have trod.

Bring light, more light
into our hearts, o Lord,
bless us with holy daring,
illuminate our most-cherished dreams

fuel our hope,
radiant Savior,
make us merciful,
generous and kind;

enflame our souls
with a burning passion
to be Your true disciples
in word and deed, fearlessly

make us candles
shining in the darkness
lighting the way
that leads to You.